Monday, 22 January 2018

DVD Roundup: "It's time to get the fuck out of my house!" edition

While some movies (*ahem* The Last Jedi) maybe do not deserve the shit show that ruptures up around them, Darren Aranofsky's Mother! maybe was one of the movies that did. For many it was either a love-it-or-hate it film, either symbolic and metaphorical or just a bit too preachy and bonkers. Either way, you have to admire the way an original film, not based on any previous media, was discussed widely in the media and provoked reactions as to its worth as art, not due to any previous expectations. Still, if you've not seen it, listen to our podcast review and decide if its something you'd be into.

While there is a hint of historical revisionism in Victoria & Abdul, it also highlights the hushed relationship Queen Victoria did have with attendant Abdul Karim, so much so that after the Queen's death her family sought to wipe him from history, burning the Queen's letters to him and sending him back to India. Still, a fascinating moment of Victorian history embellished with the stellar acting chops of Judi Dench.

Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner, Wind River sees a detective take on the help of a wildlife officer in order to solve the death of a rape and murder of a Native American woman, which ends up bringing up old and unsolved problems. Directed and written by the screenwriter behind Sicario, Taylor Sheridan, Wind River has been acclaimed for its interesting story, but also lamented for its slow, meandering pace.

Based on the infamous match between Björn Borg and John McEnroe during the 1980 Wimbledon championships, Borg McEnroe is a truly international affair, with a five languages being spoken throughout the film. Starring Sverrir Gudnason as Borg and Shia LaBeouf as McEnroe, the film was favourable reviewed, but the real McEnroe hated it, and, unfortunately for Richee, its not Cyborg vs McEnroe. That would be a wildly different movie.